But there’s nothing cute about the terrorizing of folks on the quiet, tree-lined street wedged be ween the Oakhurst and Heritage Green subdivisions. Three houses have been burned, and another had wicker furniture torched on its front porch so far this year. The house at 10250 Meadow Crossing Lane, which was set ablaze Saturday morning, has inexplicably been burned twice.

So far, the houses that have been torched by a suspected arsonist have been empty. But because of the transit-oriented development design of the subdivision, closely adjacent houses to the target structures have suffered heat damage as well.

And residents along Meadow Crossing Lane, which doesn’t fit the profile of a street on which to commit crimes — it’s a long way from any major road that will provide for a quick getaway and there are a lot of residents (read, potential witnesses) packed into a little space — are on edge. The fires are usually ignited in the pre-dawn hours when vigilance is slumbering.

It’s a bold move, repeatedly returning to the scene of the crimes to wreak still more mayhem, and it could only be a matter of time before the emboldened perpetrator(s) ratchet up their deeds to sate their incendiary appetite. Police say there is so little evidence left intact that the fires are difficult to investigate, so it may well require tireless, round-the-clock surveillance of the street to catch the firebug(s), who show no indication of letting up.

Cornelius Police are asking for anyone who knows any informaton about the most recent fire to call 704-892-7773. Callers can remain anonymous.